Ira Wayne Walker

Ira W. Walker, 52 of Petoskey, walked on October 6, 2020 at his home.

Ira was born on June 16, 1968 in Atlanta, GA, the son of the late Ronald Mulholland and Donna Mae Walker.  At a young age, the family moved to Charlevoix and later to Petoskey, where Ira graduated from Petoskey High School with the class of 1987 and later attended North Central Michigan College. 

Ira worked for various business throughout his life.  He worked the Youth corps, various building trades jobs, worked at Hardee’s when they opened in Petoskey and worked there as Manager.  In 1999, Ira went to work at Victories Casino and filled many roles there throughout his career, including as Casino Host.   However, his most memorable job would have to be when he worked at Hardee’s, for it was there that he met the love of his life, the former Lorelei Southwood and the two were later married on September 3, 1994 in Charlevoix.

Ira loved all kinds of sports.  If there was a ball to kick, throw, or hit, he liked it.  He enjoyed fishing, bowling, euchre, and cribbage.  He was a Special Olympics Coach, served as a Hospital Chaplain, and was active in Promise Keepers.  He was a member of the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians and was a loving and dedicated husband, father, brother, cousin, and uncle.  He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. 

Ira is survived by his wife, Lorelei; 4 children, Jordan (Ariell Sabina) Walker, Matthew Walker, Kenny Walker, and Cheyenne Denniston; 3 siblings, Norma Jean Mulholland of Petoskey, Brenda King of Lansing, and Amanda (James) Harless of Seattle, WA; brother-in-law, Bob Holland; and by many cousins, nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and by a sister, Julia Holland on September 27, 2020.

A memorial service honoring Ira’s life will be held at the Stone Funeral Home on October 11, 2020 at 3pm with the family receiving friends at the funeral home from 2pm until the time of service.   Due to ongoing COVID regulations, masks are required and social distancing is recommended. 

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